Based on true events. On the edges of Las Vegas, 17-year-old Andrew’s life is spiraling out of control. Unable to cope with the loss of his father, Andrew’s descent into drugs and violence is gaining momentum, and the once promising young man is now headed for self-destruction (in what Variety calls “an especially blistering performance by Monty Lapica”).

Andrew’s mother (Golden Globe nominee Diane Venora), helpless to control her son and fighting an addiction of her own, refuses to watch idly as her only child destroys himself. As a last resort, she hires a private company to forcibly kidnap and confine him in a locked-down and corrupt psychiatric hospital. As Andrew is subjected to the secret physical and emotional abuses of the program something inside him is re-awakened. He must somehow get free to save what’s left of his life, but to do that, he knows he must first face his own demons head-on.

“A searing portrait of an out-of-control youth. Strong acting from all quarters and an especially blistering performance from Lapica. Packs a startling punch.”

“Theres a real sense of authority and a raw, unmannered intensity in Lapica’s performance that sets the requisite tone for the entire production. The picture establishes Lapica as one to watch, either as a filmmaker or, for that matter, an actor. Self Medicated is just what the doctor ordered.”

“On the basis of this film, Monty Lapica has a career ahead of him as a director, an actor or both.”

Winner of 39 International Film Awards
The most award-winning movie of it’s year
Roma Independent Film Festival -Grand Jury Prize (Best Film)
Australian International Film Festival - Grand Jury Prize
Prism Awards – Best Feature Film
Phoenix Film Festival – Best Picture & Best Ensemble
Angel Award - Best Motion Picture
WorldFest Houston – Gold Award
Berkeley Video & Film Festival - Grand Festival Award
Big Island Film Festival - Best General Feature & Best Up-and-Comer
Charlotte Film Festival – Best Film (audience award)
George Lindsey UNA Film Festival – Professional Feature (gold lion)
Granada International Festival of Young Filmmakers – Best Screenplay
Los Angeles DIY Film Festival – Best Director & Best Dramatic Feature
Memphis International Film Festival – Best Picture
New York VisionFest – Male Lead Award & Overall Production Award
Newport Beach Film Festival - First Time Director (breakthrough award)
San Luis Obispo International Film Festival - Best Feature
San Clarita Valley Film Festival - Best Feature
Santa Fe Film Festival – Best of the Southwest
Tahoe Reno International Film Festival - Best Cal Neva Spotlight Feature
Tiburon International Film Festival – Best Actor
Trenton Film Festival – Best Screenplay
Zoie Fest – Best Feature Film